Automotive interior trim panel

Abstract

The invention relates to an automotive interior trim part (10) comprising a decorative layer (11) with a front (12) designed as a visible side and a back (13) opposite the front (12), one or more wireless charging elements (14) for wirelessly charging one or more mobile devices provided on the front (12) of the decorative layer (11), wherein the wireless charging element(s) (14) are arranged on the back (13) of the decorative layer (11), and one or more magnetic elements (15) for transferring a mobile device placed on the decorative layer (11) into a provided charging position on the front (12) of the decorative layer (11) and / or for fixing the mobile device in the provided charging position, wherein the magnetic element(s) (15) are arranged on the back (13) of the decorative layer (11).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an interior trim part for a motor vehicle.

[0002] Interior trim parts for vehicles are understood to be primarily decorative parts (also called trim pieces) and / or trim parts for a vehicle interior. Numerous interior trim parts are installed in the vehicle interior, such as door panels, console and instrument panel covers, for example, center console trim. Control buttons and their covers are also considered interior trim parts. Other examples of interior trim parts include door panels, such as those for the driver's door, passenger door, or other doors in the vehicle; table surfaces; covers, such as those for the center console; (extendable) boards or tables; seat upholstery or seat covers, such as those for the driver's or passenger's seat; and floor coverings.Furthermore, the vehicle interior trim part can also be a sun visor and / or a privacy screen, which can be mounted or attached, particularly in the area of ​​one or more windows of the vehicle.

[0003] For such automotive interior trim panels, a charging option for a mobile device positioned on the panel may be desirable. However, if such a charging function is provided, the problem often arises that the mobile device slips on the surface of the trim panel. This can be largely avoided, for example, by applying an anti-slip coating to the surface of the trim panel, and thus to the front of a decorative layer. However, a permanent anti-slip coating is often considered visually unappealing. Dirt can accumulate and adhere to the anti-slip coating. The long-term durability of the anti-slip coating can prove critical, for example, when dispensing anti-slip material onto a decorative layer, which can lead to increased testing efforts.Furthermore, the production of an anti-slip coating requires an additional work step, which involves corresponding additional effort and costs.

[0004] From DE 20 2020 102 686 U1 a trim part for the vehicle interior with a decorative layer is known.

[0005] German patent application DE 10 2024 001 825 A1 discloses a charging cradle for inductively charging a mobile phone in a motor vehicle. The charging cradle has at least one charging zone formed in its base, wherein the mobile phone can be placed on the surface of the charging zone for charging, and wherein the charging zone includes a charging coil for inductively charging the mobile phone. An improvement in the charging function is achieved by making the charging zone adjustable relative to the base of the cradle between a rest position, in which the charging surface is flush with the base surface, and an operating position, in which the charging coil is switched on and the charging surface is inclined and / or raised relative to the base surface.

[0006] The invention is therefore based on the objective of providing a new automotive interior trim part, in particular a new automotive interior trim part in which a front side of a decorative layer does not entail any optical disadvantages due to an anti-slip design.

[0007] This problem is solved by a vehicle interior trim part with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0008] The automotive interior trim part according to the invention comprises a decorative layer with a front side designed as a visible side and a back side opposite the front side, one or more wireless charging elements for wirelessly charging one or more mobile devices provided on the front side of the decorative layer, wherein the wireless charging element(s) are arranged on the back side of the decorative layer, and one or more magnetic elements for transferring a mobile device placed on the decorative layer into a designated charging position on the front side of the decorative layer and / or for fixing the mobile device in the designated charging position, wherein the magnetic element(s) are arranged on the back side of the decorative layer, and wherein the magnetic element(s) are designed and / or configured and / or controllable in such a manner.that a mobile device placed on the front of the decorative layer can be moved into a levitating state above the front of the decorative layer by means of magnetism through the magnetic element(s).

[0009] The term "mobile device provided on the front of the decorative layer" refers in particular to a mobile device placed on the front of the decorative layer or suspended above the front of the decorative layer.

[0010] The “intended charging position” refers in particular to a position or area on the front of the decorative layer that is opposite a wireless charging element on the back of the decorative layer and thus enables efficient charging of the mobile device.

[0011] It may be provided that the wireless charging element(s) and the magnetic element(s) together form a functional layer on the back of the decorative layer or are arranged in or on a functional layer.

[0012] The mobile device can be a mobile phone, a cell phone, a smartphone, a tablet, a computer, a laptop, a pager, a watch, especially a smartwatch, or similar.

[0013] The phrase "on the back" does not necessarily mean that a first component of the vehicle interior trim part must be located directly and / or immediately on the back of a second component. The first component should simply be located on the side of the respective component opposite the visible side. Additional layers, particularly intermediate layers, may also be located between the two components, so that the first component is (only) indirectly located on the back of the second component.

[0014] The advantages of the invention lie particularly in the fact that the magnetic element(s) enable the mobile device to be fixed in the intended charging position, especially without physical contact with the decorative layer. This prevents the mobile device from slipping out of the charging position. A further advantage is that the mobile device can be moved into a designated charging position by means of the magnetic elements, thus ensuring an ideal charging position and enabling efficient charging. Furthermore, when using the vehicle interior trim panel, only the decorative surface is visible to the user; no electrical or electronic components, mechanically applied anti-slip coating, rubber mats, or similar materials are visible, making the vehicle interior trim panel visually appealing.

[0015] A further advantage of the invention lies in the cooling of the mobile device during the charging process. By appropriately controlling the magnetic element(s), a floating state of the mobile device can be achieved. This floating effect prevents contact with the decorative surface. Thanks to this floating effect, the mobile device, and in particular its underside, is always completely surrounded by air, thus enabling optimal cooling. The solution according to the invention is therefore also advantageous compared to variants with a contact surface that has protrusions such as domes or ribs.

[0016] A further advantage of the invention is that the user can place the mobile device anywhere on the decorative layer. No markings or visible symbols are necessary to ensure precise positioning, as the mobile device can be moved into the intended charging position using the magnetic elements.

[0017] If a mobile device is initially placed unpositioned on the decorative layer, the mobile device can be positioned, for example, in the middle above a wireless charging element, using the magnetic element(s).

[0018] The transfer of a mobile device placed on the decorative layer to a designated charging position on the front of the decorative layer can be achieved, for example, using intelligent magnetic elements. For instance, the current position of the mobile device can be detected electronically, and by controlling and / or reversing the polarity of the magnetic elements, the mobile device can be suspended and then pushed and / or attracted to the designated charging position above or near the wireless charging element.

[0019] If multiple mobile devices are placed on the decorative layer, they can be moved to different charging positions for individual charging. This eliminates the need for separate devices for single and dual chargers.

[0020] It may be provided that the decorative layer is made of wood and / or wood veneer and / or metal, for example aluminium, and / or carbon and / or glass and / or ceramic and / or stone, for example slate, and / or plastic and / or foil and / or fabric and / or textile, or comprises one or more of these materials.

[0021] Furthermore, the vehicle interior trim panel may include a cooling system, such as a fan, to cool the mobile device during charging. An interface to the vehicle's air conditioning system may also be provided. Additionally, cavities, including decorative cavities, may be incorporated into the front and / or back of the decorative layer and / or the back of the vehicle interior trim panel for cooling purposes. These cavities may also be used for integrating lighting, including on the back of the wireless charging element(s).

[0022] If multiple wireless charging elements and multiple magnetic elements are required, they can be arranged, for example, such that they are positioned side by side in a functional layer on the reverse side of the decorative layer, with one or more wireless charging elements located between each pair of adjacent magnetic elements. "Positioned side by side" means, in particular, that the magnetic elements lie next to each other along the layer's length, i.e., not perpendicular to the layer's length, i.e., not perpendicular to or opposite the decorative layer.

[0023] The phrase "one or more wireless charging elements are arranged between two adjacent magnetic elements" is understood in particular to mean that, in a top view of the back of the decorative layer, the wireless charging elements and the magnetic elements form a pattern, for example a checkerboard pattern, wherein one or more, preferably at least two, wireless charging elements are arranged between two adjacent magnetic elements in this pattern.

[0024] It can also be provided that several wireless charging elements and several magnetic elements are provided, wherein the wireless charging elements and the magnetic elements are arranged such that the wireless charging elements and the magnetic elements are arranged next to each other in a functional layer, with the magnetic elements being arranged, for example, in a ring shape, around the wireless charging elements.

[0025] The magnetic element(s) and the wireless charging element(s) can operate in different frequency ranges or have different frequency ranges.

[0026] Preferably, a carrier, in particular a plastic carrier, is arranged on the back side of the decorative layer, in particular on the back side of the functional layer or on the back side of the wireless charging element(s) and / or the back side of the magnetic element(s).

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vehicle interior trim part comprises a control device for controlling the wireless charging element(s) and / or the magnetic element(s).

[0028] The wireless charging element(s) can be or include coils. The magnetic element(s) can be or include electromagnets.

[0029] Preferably, the vehicle interior trim part comprises one or more sensor elements for detecting a mobile device provided, in particular placed, on the front of the decorative layer.

[0030] It may be provided that the magnetic element(s) are designed and / or configured and / or controllable in such a way that a mobile device in a levitating state can be moved, in particular pushed, by means of the magnetic elements, especially in the horizontal direction, so that the mobile device can be transferred into the intended charging position.

[0031] Furthermore, it may be provided that the magnetic element(s) are designed and / or configured and / or controllable in such a way that a mobile terminal device suspended above the front of the decorative layer can be fixed in the intended charging position by means of magnetism through the magnetic element(s).

[0032] It may also be provided that the magnetic element(s) are designed and / or configured and / or controllable in such a way that a mobile device placed on the front of the decorative layer can be fixed in the intended charging position by means of magnetism through the magnetic element(s).

[0033] The term "fixed" for the mobile device means, in particular, that the mobile device cannot be moved from its intended charging position on the front of the decorative layer, especially not independently, for example, by centrifugal force, acceleration force, or gravity, nor can it slip on the front of the decorative layer. However, the mobile device can be easily removed by a user when deactivated.

[0034] The invention is further explained below with regard to its features and advantages by means of a description of exemplary embodiments and with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings. These show Fig. 1 a section of a first embodiment of a motor vehicle interior trim part according to the invention in a schematic sectional view; Fig. 2 the wireless charging elements and magnetic elements of the vehicle interior trim part according to Fig. 1 in a schematic representation showing the reverse side of the decorative layer.

[0035] Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows an automotive interior trim part 10 according to the invention, comprising a decorative layer 11 with a front side 12 designed as a visible side and a back side 13 opposite the front side 12. The decorative layer 11 can be wood, wood veneer, metal, for example aluminum, carbon, glass, ceramic, stone, for example slate, plastic, foil, fabric and / or a woven material.

[0036] The vehicle interior trim panel 10 includes wireless charging elements 14 for wirelessly charging a mobile device provided on the front 12 of the decorative layer 11. The wireless charging elements 14 are arranged on the rear 13 of the decorative layer 11. "Mobile device provided on the front 12 of the decorative layer 11" refers in particular to a mobile device placed on or suspended above the front 12 of the decorative layer 11.

[0037] The vehicle interior trim part 10 further comprises magnetic elements 15, in particular electromagnets, for transferring a mobile device placed on the decorative layer 11 into a designated charging position on the front 12 of the decorative layer 11 and for fixing the mobile device in this charging position. The magnetic elements 15 are arranged on the rear 13 of the decorative layer 11. A "designated charging position" is understood to mean, in particular, a position or area on the front 12 of the decorative layer 11 that is opposite a wireless charging element 14 on the rear 13 of the decorative layer 11.

[0038] The wireless charging elements 14 and the magnetic elements 15 together form a functional layer 16 on the back 13 of the decorative layer 11. The wireless charging elements 14 and the magnetic elements 15 are arranged such that they are positioned next to each other, with several wireless charging elements 14 arranged between each pair of adjacent magnetic elements 15, as shown. Fig. Figure 2 shows. The phrase "several wireless charging elements 14 are arranged between two adjacent magnetic elements 15" is understood in particular to mean that, in a top view of the back side 13 of the decorative layer 11, the wireless charging elements 14 and the magnetic elements 15 form a pattern, for example a checkerboard pattern, wherein several, preferably at least two, wireless charging elements 14 are arranged in this pattern between two adjacent magnetic elements 15.

[0039] Fig.Figure 1 shows that a carrier 17, in particular a plastic carrier, is arranged on the back side of the functional layer 16, and thus on the back side 13 of the decorative layer 11. The vehicle interior trim part 10 also includes a control device 18 for controlling the wireless charging elements 14 and the magnetic elements 15. The vehicle interior trim part 10 further includes a sensor element 19 for detecting a mobile device placed on the front side 12 of the decorative layer 11.

[0040] The magnetic elements 15 are designed, configured and controllable in such a way that a mobile terminal device placed on the front 12 of the decorative layer 11 can be moved into a levitating state above the front 12 of the decorative layer 11 by means of magnetism, in particular levitation, by the magnetic elements 15.

[0041] The magnetic elements 15 are further designed, configured and controllable in such a way that a mobile device in a levitating state can be moved horizontally by means of the magnetic elements 15, for example by magnetic "push", so that the mobile device can be transferred to the intended charging position.

[0042] The magnetic elements 15 are also designed, configured and controllable in such a way that a mobile device placed on the front 12 of the decorative layer 11 can be fixed in the intended charging position by means of magnetism through the magnetic elements 15.

[0043] The magnetic elements 15 are further designed, configured, and controllable such that a mobile device suspended above the front surface 12 of the decorative layer 11 can be fixed in the intended charging position by means of magnetism via the magnetic elements 15. "Fixing" the mobile device refers in particular to a state in which the mobile device cannot be moved from the intended charging position on the front surface 12 of the decorative layer 11 independently, for example, by centrifugal force, acceleration force, or gravity, or slip on or above the front surface 12 of the decorative layer 11.

[0044] The process of using the automotive interior trim part 10 according to the invention can be described as follows: First, a mobile device is placed on the front surface 12 of the decorative layer 11 or at least brought close to it. The presence and / or approach of the mobile device is detected by means of the sensor element 19. The sensor element 19 transmits the detection of the presence and / or approach of the mobile device to the control device 18. The control device 18 then activates the magnetic elements 15. These generate a magnetic field that suspends the mobile device. Subsequently, the magnetic field is adjusted so that the mobile device is moved or transferred into the intended charging position by means of the magnetic field.The term "intended charging position" refers in particular to a position or area on the front 12 of the decorative layer 11 that is opposite a wireless charging element 14 on the rear 13 of the decorative layer 11. In this intended charging position, the mobile device is magnetically secured by means of the magnetic elements 15. The mobile device is then wirelessly charged by means of the wireless charging elements 14. Once the mobile device has reached its maximum battery capacity, the wireless charging elements 14 switch off or are switched off by the control device 18. The mobile device can continue to be secured in the intended charging position by the magnetic elements 15 until a user removes it. Reference symbol list 10 Automotive interior trim parts 11 Decorative layer 12 Front side (decorative layer) 13 Back side (decorative layer) 14 Wireless charging element 15 magnetic elements 16 functional layer 17 carriers 18 Control device 19 Sensor element

Claims

[1] Automotive interior trim part (10), comprising a decorative layer (11) with a front side (12) designed as a visible side and a back side (13) opposite the front side (12), one or more wireless charging elements (14) for wirelessly charging one or more mobile devices provided on the front side (12) of the decorative layer (11), wherein the wireless charging element(s) (14) are arranged on the back side (13) of the decorative layer (11), and one or more magnetic elements (15) for transferring a mobile device placed on the decorative layer (11) into a designated charging position on the front (12) of the decorative layer (11) and / or for fixing the mobile device in the designated charging position, wherein the magnetic element(s) (15) are arranged on the back (13) of the decorative layer (11), characterized by , that the or more magnetic elements (15) are designed and / or configured and / or controllable in such a way that a mobile terminal device placed on the front (12) of the decorative layer (11) can be moved into a floating state above the front (12) of the decorative layer (11) by means of magnetism through the magnetic element(s) (15). [2] Automotive interior trim part (10) according to claim 1, characterized by , that several wireless charging elements (14) and several magnetic elements (15) are provided, wherein the wireless charging elements (14) and the magnetic elements (15) are arranged such that the wireless charging elements (14) and the magnetic elements (15) are arranged side by side in a functional layer (16) on the back (13) of the decorative layer (11), wherein one or more wireless charging elements (14) are arranged between each of two adjacent magnetic elements (15). [3] Automotive interior trim part (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that a carrier (17) is arranged on the back (13) of the decorative layer (11). [4] Automotive interior trim part (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the vehicle interior trim part (10) includes a control device (18) for controlling the wireless charging element(s) (14) and / or the magnetic element(s) (15). [5] Automotive interior trim part (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the wireless charging element(s) (14) are or comprise coils, and / or that the magnetic element(s) (15) are or comprise electromagnets. [6] Automotive interior trim part (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the vehicle interior trim part (10) includes one or more sensor elements (19) for detecting a mobile terminal device provided on the front (12) of the decorative layer (11). [7] Automotive interior trim part (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the magnetic element(s) (15) are designed and / or configured and / or controllable in such a way that a mobile terminal device in a levitating state can be moved by means of the magnetic elements (15) so that the mobile terminal device can be transferred to the intended charging position. [8] Automotive interior trim part (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the magnetic element(s) (15) are designed and / or configured and / or controllable in such a way that a mobile terminal device suspended above the front (12) of the decorative layer (11) can be fixed in the intended charging position by means of magnetism through the magnetic element(s) (15). [9] Automotive interior trim part (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the magnetic element(s) (15) are designed and / or configured and / or controllable in such a way that a mobile terminal placed on the front (12) of the decorative layer (11) can be fixed in the intended charging position by means of magnetism through the magnetic element(s) (15).

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